Machine for printing designs on fabrics



June 13, 1939. Q MASSQN 2,162,440

IAGHINE FOR PRINTING DESIGNS ON FABRICS Filed Oct. 6, 1937 IO-Sheets-Sheet 1 June 13, 1939. I c. MASSON 2,162,440

mourns ion PRINTING masmns on FABRICS Filed Oct. 6, 3'7 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 June13, 1939. I c. MASSON 2,162,440

IACHINE FOR PRINTING DESIGNS 0N FABRICS Filed Oct. 6, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 June 13, 1939.

c. MASSON 2,162,440

IACHIIE FOR PRINTING DESIGNS ON FABRICS Filed Oct. 6, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 13, 1939- I c. MASSON 7 2,162,440

CHINE FOR PRINTING DESIGNS ON FABRICS Fi l d Oct. 6 1937 17 10 h e;e ts-Sheet 5 c 9 B D C. MASSON MACHINE FOR PRINTING DESIGNS 0N FABRICS June 13, 1939.

gamed Oct. s, 1957. I a 9? l0 Sheets-Sheet 6 June 13, 1939. c. MASSON 2,162,440

IACHINE FOR PRINTING DESIGNS 0N FABRICS Figed Oct. 193 10 shflets-sheet 7 June 13, 1939. MA 2,162,440

MACHINE FOR PRINTING DESIGNS ON FABRICS Filed Oct. 6, 1957 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 June 13, 1939. c. MAsso N CHINE FOR PRINTING DESIGNS ON FABRICS- Filed 00L 6, 1937 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 June 13, 1939. c. MASSON IACHINE FOR PRINTING DESIGNS ON FABRICS 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Oct. 6. 1937 Patented June 13, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Claudius Manson, Lyon. France Application October 6, 1937, Serial No. 167,626 In France October 9, 1936 14 Claims.

This invention relates to machines for printing designs on fabrics or papers by means of stencils or of perforated plates, It is known that this operation is generally performed by pinning the fabric, for instance, in a stretched condition on a printing table and printing successively throughout the length of the latter by means of a frame in which the perforated surface is stretched. When the frame is applied to a portion of the fabric, the operators spread the dye or ink on the stencil or perforated plate by means of a scraper.

In my prior Letters Patent No. 2,088,801 I have through the perforated surface.

A first object of my invention is to provide a machine comprising a scraper and a mechanism for automatically driving the same. The dye is thus regularly applied whatever may be the dimensions of the frame and the viscosity of the dye.

Another object of my invention is to separate thescraper driving gear from the frame supporting carriage in order that the stresses resulting from the operation of the scraper may not be transmitted to the frame. This is obtained by forming two carriages combined with one another for running along-the table, but independently secured in position for each printing operation.

Another object of my invention is to combine the means for connecting together the two carriages, with :the means for separately securing the same in position along the table and also with the means for raising or lowering the printing frame on the fabric in such a way that the operator may have a single controlling handle to operate, thus avoiding any mistake.

Still another object of my invention is to provide means whereby, at the end of each stroke of the scraper, the latter may take again the more or less pasty mass of ink which has been scraped from the stencil during the stroke and spread it on the stencil or the like.

Further objects of my invention will be more clearly understood from the following description.

In the annexed drawings:

Figs, 1A, 1B and 1C form a'general plan view of a machine according to my invention, Fig. 1A showing one end of the machine up to line A- A,

Fig. 1B illustrating the middle portion thereof from line A-A to line 3-3, and Fig. 1C representing the portion from line BB to the other end.

Figs. 2A, 2B and 20 form in the same manner a general side view of, the machine.

Fig.3 is an end view corresponding to Fig. 2A.

Fig. 4 is a cross-section taken along line IVIV of Fig. 213.

Fig. 5 is a cross-section taken along line V-V of Fig. 20, the end or the machine being omitted for the sake of clearness.

Fig. 6 is a cross-section taken along line VI-VI of Fig. 20. Y

Fig. 7 is a partial side view showing the lower portion of the left end of the machine (Fig. 1A) at the raised position of the frame.

Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the reversing gear for the scraper driving carriage,

Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating the raising gear for the'scraper at the end of the stroke.

Fig. 10 shows a modification thereof.

Figs. 11 and 12 are enlarged detailed views showing the scraper controlling gear at two difierent positions.

Fig. 13 diagrammatically illustrates a modified mounting for the printing frame.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a modified scraper-driving carriage.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the driving roller for the scraper driving carriage.

V Figs. 16 and 17 are diagrams illustrating the adjustment of the rocking motion of the scraper.

Fig. 18 is a cross-section of the upper guiding rail of Fig. 14.

Fig. 19-is a cross-section of the lower guiding rail.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view, with parts in section, of the sliding device supported by the carriage shown in Fig. 14.,

' Fig. 21 shows a scraper raising gear for the device of Fig. 14.

Figs. 22 and 23 diagrammatically illustrate an arrangement embodying an inner frame movable within the main printing frame to spread the dye.

Fig. 24 is a partial cross-section showing an additional brake for the carriage which supports the scraper mechanism.

Fig. 25 is a diagram showing a modified connection between the carriage braking gear and the mechanism controlling the reciprocating movement of the scraper.

Figs. 26 to 28 are side views illustrating a further modification of the scraper.

Fig. 29 is a diagram showing the operation thereof at the end of a stroke.

Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the scraper member.

The machine according to my invention is used in combination with a printing table (Figs. and -6) provided with lateral guiding rails 2 extending longitudinally thereof.

Rails 2 support a double carriage formed of two tubular frames having their longitudinal sides co-axial with one another. The first frame comprises two longitudinal tubes 3 (Figs. 1A, 1B and 1C) connected by transverse tubes 4 (Figs. 1A and the connections between the tubular members being effected by means of angle members 5. The second frame comprises two longitudinal tubes 6 extending through tubes 3 with a material radial play (Fig. 5) and connected by transverse tubes 1, the connections being effected by means of angle members 8. Each angle .member 5 or 8 carries a roller 9 or III. The two frames therefore form a combined carriage comprising two separate carriages having a limited degree of longitudinal freedom.

It is to be noted that in the drawings the width of the table and of the combined carriage has been considerably reduced.

The smaller carriage 3--45 supports the printing frame 2|8 carrying the stencil or the like (Figs. 1A, 1B, 10), this frame being hinged on a transverse bar N (Fig. 10) while its other end rests on another cross-bar I2 adapted to be raised or lowered (Fig. 1A). Bar I2 is supported at its ends by small carriages l3 (Fig. 2A) sliding along guides |4 fixed to the angle members 5 of the left end of the machine; carriages |3 also support a transverse shaft l5 provided at its ends with pinions 6 in mesh with racks |1 laterally fixed to guides |4. Owing to this arrangement carriages |3 move simultaneously along guides |4 when only one is driven by a rod 8 (Figs. 2A and 7) loose on shaft l5, the said rod being pivoted at IS on the end of an arm 20 carried by a shaft 2| rotatably supported by member 5 and provided with the controlling handle 22.

The smaller carriage 3-45 also supports the means adapted to stop the said carriage at a number of determined positions along the table, such means comprising for instance a spring latch cooperating with detents adjustable in position along the table. In Fig. 1B there is shown in dotted lines a sleeve 23 adapted to support the latch and associated parts, not illustrated.

The longer carriage 6-1--8 is provided with a brake gear acting on a rail 2. This gear (Figs. 2A, 1A and 3) comprises a pair of jaws 24 pivoted at 25 on the next member 8 and adapted to clamp the rail 2; jaws 24 are operated by a wedge 26 carried by an arm 21 keyed on a shaft-28 (Fig. 2A) rotatably supported by member 8. Shaft 28 also carries a bifurcated lever 29 in mesh with a pin 38 fixed to a slide 3| vertically movable along a guide 32 fixed tothe next member 5, i. e. to the smaller carriage. Slide 3| is operated by a rod 33 pivoted on pin 38 and driven by an eccentric 34 keyed on the above-described shaft 2|. Of course slide 3| is provided with an elongated opening 35 to accommodate shaft 2|.

The lower part of slide 3| is provided with a wedge-shaped tail 36 which fitsinto a corre-' sponding recess 31 cut into member 8.

When the printing frame is applied to the fabric (Fig. 2A) slide 3| is at its upper position. Tail 36 is well above recess 31 and lever 29 has been raised while arm 21 has been lowered; wedge 26 clamps jaws 24 against rail 2. The two carriages 3-4-5 and 6-1-8 are independent from each other, the smaller one 3-4-4 being retained in position by its latch while the longer one 6-18 is secured by the action of jaws 24. When the printing operation is ended, the operator lowers handle 22 (Fig.7). The printing frame is'raised from the table by arm 28, rod l8, carof a plate as (Figs; 23 and 4) carried by a J holder 39 in which it isclamped for instance by wedges. Holder 39 is loose on a transverse shaft 48 fixed to an intermediate plate 4| provided with two depending lugs 42 which receive screws adapted to form adjustable abutments limiting the angular freedom of support 39. Plate 4| is itself supported by a longitudinal shaft 44 loose in a bearing 45 carried at the lower end of a vertical bar 46. The latter slides vertically in a driving carriage 41 which slides horizontally along longitudinal rods 48 and 49. As clearly shown, carriage 41 has two sleeves 58 adapted to slide on the lower rod 48 and there is provided on the upper bar 49 a third guiding sleeve 5| having a vertical tail 52 slidable through a guide 53 fixed to carriage 41. This arrangement ensures a perfect guiding of carriage 41 while making up for any possible lack of parallelism between rods 48 and 49. The latter are preferably tubular as illustrated.

Bar 46 carries a pin 54 projecting through an elongated opening 55 provided in carriage 41 and there is mounted on pin 54 a loose roller 56. Carriage 41 also carries two horizontally projecting pins 51 provided with looserollers 58. And the downward movement of bar 56 is limited by a screw 59.

Carriage 41 also supports two abutting arms 68 pivoted on small slides 6| longitudinally adjustable by means of screws 62 passing through elongated openings 63. These arms are returned to the position shown in Fig. 2B by springs 64 as will be explained below. There is also provided on carriage 41 an abutment 65 supported by a rod 66 engaged into a tube 61 where it may be retained at three different positions by means of a pin driven through holes 68. Tube 61 is fixed at 69 by screws 18.

Rods 48 and 49 are fixed at one end to a rigid member 1| (Figs. 2C and 6) loose on a transverse rod 12 carried by supports 13 fixed on the transverse tube 1 of carriage 6-1-8. At the other end of the machine (Figs. 2A and 3) rods 48 and 49 are fixed to a base 14 which is itself fixed by a horizontal screw 15 to a support 16 clamped on the other transverse tube 1 of carriage 6-'|-8.

It is clear that by unscrewing screw 15 rods 48 and 49 and the parts associated therewith, including the scraper, may be raised by pivoting about rod 12 thus leaving free access to the printing frame.

The scraper driving carriage 41 is driven by an endless chain 11 (Figs. 1A, 1B, 10, 2A, 2B and running on sprocket wheels 18 and 19. The first one (Fig. 2A) is loose on its shaft 88 carried by a bracket 8| clamped on rod 49. Sprocket 19 (Fig. 2C) is keyed on a. shaft 82 also supported by a bracket 83 clamped on rod by an electromotor 81 carried by the longer car-.

above-described abutting arms 88 of the scraper driving carriage. It will be noted that projection 89 is normally engaged with an arm 88, the position illustrated being shown for the sake of clearness only. Projection 89 is providedwith a circular groove adapted to receive the notched ends of arms 88; Starting from the position of Fig. 2C, projection 89 running tothe left will push the upper arm' 88 (Fig. 2B) and will thereforr bring carriage 41 to the left. Projection 89 then passes on sprocket I8 (Fig.1!) lowering arm 88 about its pivot 98 againstspring 84. Then it becomes disengaged and arm 88 is returned by spring 84 to its normal position determined by an abutment 9I. Projection 89 then runs towards the right and cooperates with the lower arm 88 to return carriage 41 to the right end of the machine, and so on, the scraper thus being reciprocated on the printing frame.

When the scraper slides on the stencil it ac cumulates a more or less pasty mass of dye in front of itself and when its. movement is reversed it is necessary that this mass be again spread on the stencil. This is obtained in the machinedescribed by raising the scraper before 'the end of the stroke and then lowering it again when the stroke is ended. Brackets BI and 88 (Figs. 2A and 20) support rods 92 adjustably fixed in position by set screws 98 and each rod 92 carries a member 94 which is shown in section in Fig. 9, such'member comprising a wedge-shaped head at the end of rod 92 and a laterally extending wing of triangular shape, which is particularly apparent in the plan view (Figs. 1A and 10). A horizontal pin 95 is fixed to the wing .of member 94 and pivotally supports a defiectable blade 98 normally resting against an abutting finger 91.

When the scraper reaches the end of its leftward stroke (for instance) the above-described rollers 58 pass under the horizontal side of the wing of member 94 (Fig. 9) while roller 58 runs up on the inclined blade 98 (Fig. 9) By considering Fig. 23 it will easily be understood that bar 48 is raised, whereby the scraper plate 38' clears the stencil (positions 58' and 58"). .When roller 58 is beyond pin 95 it falls onto the head of member 94 (position 58") and then returns to its normal level (position 58"") the scraper then being again in contact with-the stencil. It will be readily understood that the scraper thus passes over the mass of'dye during the end of its leftward stroke and then resumes its normal position when its motion is reversed, thus pushing stroke roller 88 therefore passes below lever 98 (position 58) which operates as a frog.

It ,will be readily understood that the devices of. Fig. 9 or 10 operate as a wedge between rollers 58 and 58, the latter projecting beyond the former (Fig. 4) to come into contact with the triangular wing of member 94.

The machine comprises a mechanism for automatically controlling the movement of the scraper; i. e. for ensuring a determined number of strokes thereof. The electromotor 81 is not stopped and the control is effected by means of the clutch arranged between pulleys 88 and 88 (Figs. 1C and 6). shaft 99, shown in cross-section in Figs. 11 and 12 and pulley 88 is in one with a sleeve I88 (Fig. 6) loose on shaft 99 (Figs. 11 and 12). Pulley 88 and sleeve I88 therefore rotate continuously. Shaft 99houses a rotatable key I8I Figs. 11 and 12). which may either remain wholly housedin its groove without projecting from the outer periphery of shaft 99 (Fig. 12) or penetrate into one of a number of grooves I82 internally provided on sleeve I88 (Fig. 11). Key MI is operated by a radially projecting finger I88 submitted to the action of a spring I84 tending to bring the key to the position of Fig. 11. This type of clutch is well-known in presses and. the like and need not be further described.

The parts being in the position shown in Fig.

g 11, the declutching is ensured by a finger I85 carried ,bya shaft I88 rotatably supported by a support I8'I clamped on' rod 48. As shown in Fig. 5, this supporting member M1 is bifurcated,

finger I85 being disposed between the .two branches thereof. There is keyed on shaft I88 a ratchet wheel, I88 (Fig. 11) carrying a pivoted lug- I89 submitted to the action-of a pressure spring II8 guided by a rod III fixedgto a base I I2 pivoted on an extension of member I87. Rod

III carries an abutment II8 limiting the stroke oflug I89. Wheel I88 is retained against the action-of spring II8 by a pawl II4 pivoted at I I and pressed into engagement by a spring I I8. There is also loosely mounted on shaft I88 a lever -I II carrying an actuating pawl II8 pivoted at H9 and pressed int o engagement with wheel I88 by a spring I28. Lever II I is returned by a spring I2I having its end fixed at I22, this movement being limited by an abutment .223.

Lever II! is actuated by the above-described abutment 85 carried by the scraper-driving carriage 41 (see Fig. 2B). At the end of each rightward stroke lever III therefore rotates wheel I88 and shaft I88 for a given angle, until finger I 85 is brought on the path of the rotating finger I88 (position of Fig. 12) when the clutch is disen- Pulley 88 is keyed on an inner I gaged. The angle through which lever II! is oscillated at each stroke of the scraper, is adjusted at will by varying the position of rod 88 within tube 81 (Fig. 11). In the example illustrated three holes are provided transversely of tube 81; when the pin which connects tube 81 androd 88 is disposed in the first hole, lever H1 is rocked to the position shown by axis P in Fig. 11 and' the scraper is run three times over the stencil; with the second hole the angle of osciltwice; with the third hole the angle reaches axis R and the scraper is just run one single time (i. e. from right to. left and then from left to right). In Fig. 12 abutment 85 has been adjusted for the greatest angle.

To return wheel I88 and finger I85 there is provided a member I23 loose on shaft I88.

- lation reaches axis Q and the scraper is run Member I23 carriestwo stops I24 cooperating with the projecting end of pivot II5 to limit the angle of oscillation. A spring I25.attached to pivot II5 acts on a pulley I26 in one with memrection) 7 spring I25, screen I21 raises and disengages pawl H8 at any point of the stroke thereof, while pin I26disengages pawl II4. Wheel I09 is then returned by spring IIO together with finger I03.

There is also provided on member I23 a nose I29 which may be retained by a lever I30 pivoted at I2I, the said lever being controlled by a rod I32 attached to the free end of a bell-crank lever actuated by the frame-raising mechanism. In Fig. 2A this lever is diagrammatically shown at I34 its pivot being I33. It is connected with pin 30. When the printing frame is applied to the fabric, pin30 is raised and therefore rod I32 is pulled whereby lever I30 frees nose I29. Member I24 may be operated. But when the printing frame is raised nose I29 is retained by lever I30 and it is impossible to actuate member I23 to re-engage the clutch. Thus the operator is not liable to start the scraper when the frame is raised, which would be damageable for the stencil.

The actuation of member I23 is effected through a hand-wheel I35 (Fig. 5), supposedly,

suppressed in Fig. 20, this hand-wheel being connected with the said member I23 by a hollow sleeve I36 (Figs. 11 and'12) loose on shaft I06.

The working is as follows:

Handle 22 being lowered, the printing frame is raised clear from the table; the two carriages 3-4-5 and 618 form a unit free to move along the table; the clutch between pulleys 65 and 86 is disengaged and keyed at this position by lever I30.

The operator brings the unit to a given position and locks the smaller carriage 3-4-5 by means of the usual latch and detents. He then raises handle 22; the printing frame is thus applied. to the fabric and the carriages 3-4-5 and 61-8 become independent from each other, the latter being clamped on rail 2 by means of jaws 24; lever I30 releases nose I29.

The operator then actuates hand-wheel I35, which starts the scraper. gear. The printingv is thus regularly effected and the scraper stops after the appropriate number of strokes. The reactions of the. scraper driving gear are supported by carriage 6-1-8 and do not affect carriage 345; the printing frame is not liable to move on the table even at high speeds or when the dye is viscous.

When the operation is ended, the operator actuates handle 22 and the carriages again form a unit free to be moved to the next printing posi tion along the table.

The machine requires only one attendant, even with large printing frames, and the printing is always satisfactory, even with unskilled labour.

When it is desired to change or repair the printing frame or the scraper, rods 40 and 49 are easily raised.

Fig. 13 diagrammatically indicates a modified mounting of the printing frame. Frame 2I0 is provided with four lugs I31, -I36, I39 and I40. The first one merely rests on a transverse rod I carried by arms I42 fixed by screws I43 to collars I44 clamped on tubes 3; the second lug I33 rests between pins I46 on a sleeve I46 adjustable on rod I4I; lug I39 rests on a transverse rod I41 while the fourth lug I40 has a hole which is centered on a pin carried by a sleeve I40 adjustable along rod I41. This arrangement permits of adjusting at will theheight of the fixed red I and the position of the printing frame. Rod I41 is of course secured to the movable carriages I3 of Fig. 2A in lieu'of bar I2.

Fig. 14 indicates a modified construction of the scraper driving carriage. The latter is guided by square rods I49 and I50, as shown in Figs. 18 and 19. The lower rod I50 is arranged with two opposed edges in the same vertical plane and it is comprised between two pairs of grooved rollers I5I having horizontal axes; each pair is carried by a support I 52 (Fig. 19) adjustably fixed by a screw or bolt I53. Rod I49 onlyserves as a guide and its vertical faces are comprised between two cylindrical rollers I54 having vertical axes, this pair of rollers also being supported by a support I55 adjustably fixed by a central screw or bolt I56 (Fig. 18).

.The carriage 41 (Fig. 14) slidably supports a longitudinal bar I51 carrying at both ends abutments I59 which project laterally so as to cooperate with projection 89 respectively during the leftward and rightward strokes thereof. In order to minimize the strain due to the sudden impact of projection 89 against an abutment I59, bar I51 is provided with gudgeons I62 (Fig. 20) of wood, leather or the like, strongly pressed against carriage 41 by springs I63 to form a sort of brake. The freedom of bar I51 is besides limitedby shoulders I (Fig. 14) provided with a layer of rubber I6I.

As in the case of Fig, 2B, carriage 41 slidably supports a vertical bar 46 carrying the scraper holder 39 with the scraper proper 30. The scraper holder 39 is here longitudinally pivoted at I64 on an intermediate member I65 which is transversely pivoted at I66 on bar 46, the angle of oscillation of the said member I65 being limited by a fork I61 and a, pin I60. The latter has a circular head I69 (Figs. 16 and 17) but it is fiat in cross-section in such a manner that by appropriately adjusting its angular position it may be possible to adjust the angle of oscillation of member I65 and of the scraper.

Projection 09 may be constructed as illustrated Fig. 15, with a hub I10 and a rim I1I assembled together by means of an annular mass I12 of rubber.

The arrangement ensuring the spreading of the dye accumulated in front of the scraper may be modified as follows.

The scraper is raised and lowered regularly at the end of each stroke by a wedge 213 (Fig. 21) without any particular device. On the other hand there is disposed within the printing frame 2I0 (Fig. 22) an auxiliary frame I13 resting on the stencil; this frame is somewhat smaller in length than frame 2 I0.

At the end of its leftward stroke, for instance, the scraper pushes frame I13 to the left and it is then raised by wedge 213. The scraper driving carriage suddenly stops and starts in the reverse direction; owing to its inertia the scraper oscil- "lates about its transverse articulation and its edge contacts the stencil beyond the accumulated mass of dye which is again spread over the stencil. At the end of its rightward stroke the scraper will push frame I13 to the right and the mass of dye scraper at the left end of theprinting frame is somewhat displaced toward the right, which avoids an accumulation of dye against the sidesof the printing frame.

It may be of advantage in some cases to clamp the longer carriage 8-1--8 on both rails 2. This maybe obtained, as indicated in Fig. 24, by extending shaft 28 through the full width of the table; the end of the said shaft carries a crank I14 actuating a rod I15'which clamps a shoe I18 against the lower face of rail 2. There is also provided a light spring I11 to retain shoe I18 in position with only a small friction.

Fig. shows a modification of the control means of the clutch between pulleys 88 and 88 (Fig. 6). It has been explained with reference to Figs. 11 and 12-that this control was effected by a handwheel keyed on a hollow shaft I88. This handwheel may besuppressed and shaft I88 may carry an arm I18 to which is attached a rod I19 extending along the machine and terminating in a guide provided with a slidable bolt I88 driven by an arn'1I8I keyed on the above-described shaft 28 (see Fig. 2A). When handle 22 is actuated, bolt I88 shows a hole in front of rod I19 and the latter may be moved by the'operator, but when the carriages are free along the table, bolt I88 prevents any actuation of rod I19.

A spring I82 is provided to return rod I19 to itsnormal position.

Figs. 26 to show a further modification of the scraper gear which derives from the arrangement described with reference to Figs. 21 to 23,

.the oscillation of the scraper being positively obtained by friction.

The scraper holder comprisesa. base I83 (Fig. 30) which is clamped between two jaws I84 by means of a fiynut I85. Jaws I84 are carried by an intermediate support I88 transversely pivoted at I81 on the lower end ofbar 48.. There is provided on bar 46 a lever I89 pivoted at I98 and having its lower end in the form of a fork I9I in engagement with a pin I92 projecting from the tail of support I86. The angular motion of the latter is limited by an abutting pin I93 traversing an opening I9t. The upper end of lever I89 is formed of two branches elastically pressed against one another and preferably coated with leather, fiber or the like.

At each end of the machine there is provided a blade. I95 pivoted at I98 on the fixed parts (members 1I and 14) and retained against an abutment I98 by a spring I91.

The scraper is normally oblique, as shown in Fig. 27, owing tothe friction against the stencil. At the end of its leftward stroke the scraper is raisedby a wedge member I88, as in the case of Fig. 21, while blade I95 penetrates between the two branches of lever I89 tending to rock the same by friction; the scraper is thus retained at its oblique position (Fig. 28). When the movement of the scraper driving carriage is reversed, lever I89 is frictionally retained by blade I95 and is therefore oscillated anticlockwise while the scraper is oscillated clockwise, its scraping edge coming into contact with the stencil beyond the accumulated mass of dye.

Fig. 29 diagrammatically shows a number of positions of the mechanism. It will be seen that the edge of the scraper follows from right to left the path I99. The direction of the movement is then reversed and the scraper is progressively rocked, pin I92 moving in the direction of arrow 288, while bar 46 is progressively lowered. The

scraping edge then follows almost a vertical line and comes down right into the angle of the printing frame. The mass of dye accumulated below line I99 is thus taken again and pushed over the stencil.

I claim:

1. A machine for printing designs on fabrics or the like comprising in combination a table whereon the fabric is fixed in a stretched condition; rails on both longitudinal sides of said table; a carriage guided and supported by said rails; means to stop said main carriage at a number of positions along said table; aperforated printing surface carried by said main carriage; means on said main carriage to lower 15 said perforated printing surface on said table .and to raise it therefrom; a dye scraper adapted to clamp the main carriage on its guiding and supporting rails, said means being actuated by the same controlling member as the means to lower and raise said perforated printing surface.

3. In ja machine as claimed in claim 1, said means to lower and raise the perforated printing surface comprising a frame on which said perforated printing surface is stretched; means to pivot said frame along one side thereof on said main carriage; a bar on which the opposed side of said frame is adapted to rest; slidable carriages fixed at both ends of said bar; substantially vertical guides forsaid slidable carriages; a shaft rotatably carried by said slidable carriages; a rack associated with each one of said substantially vertical guides; pinions keyed on said shaft and in engagement with said-rack; and means to lower and raise one of said slidable carriages. I

4. A machine for printingdesigns on fabrics or the like comprising in combination a table' whereon the fabric is fixed in a stretched condition; rails on both longitudinal sides of said table; 9. main carriage guided and supported by said rails; means to stop said main carriage at a number of positions along said table; a perforated printing surface carried by said main carriage; printing surface is stretched; means to pivot said frame along one side thereof on said main carriage; means to lower and raise the side of said frame opposed to the pivot; a dye scraper adapted to spread dye on said perforated printa frame on which said perforated ing surface; means on said main carriage to.

guide said dye scraper across said perforated surface transversely with respect to the side along which said frame is pivoted; driving means on said main carriage to reciprocate said scraper; and automatic controlling means to stop said scraper .in the immediate vicinity of the side of said frame along which said frame is pivoted, after a determined number of strokes of said scraper.

actuated controlling member to start said means 5. In a machine as claimed in claim 4, a handto reciprocate said scraper; and means to prevent actuation of said controlling member when said perforated printing surface is raised from said table.

6. In a machine as claimed in claim 1, said guiding means comprising hinged rods raisable to permit access to said perforated printing surface. A t

7. A machine for printing designs on fabrics or the like comprising in combination a table whereon the fabric is fixed in a stretched condition; rails on both longitudinal sides of said table; a main carriage guided and supported by said rails; means to stop said main carriage at a number of positions along said table; a perforated printing surface carried by said main carriage; means on said main carriage to lower said perforated printing surface on said table and to raise it therefrom; a dye scraper adapted to spread dye on said perforated printing surface; a scraper driving carriage adapted to reciprocate said scraper across said perforated printing surface; a bar vertically slidable on said scraper driving carriage; guiding means on said main carriage for said scraper driving carriage; driving means on said main carriage to reciprocate said scraper driving carriage; and a pivotal connection between the lower end of said bar and said scraper, said connection being 1ongitudinally disposed with respect to said guiding means for permitting self transverse adjustment of said scraper on said perforated printing surface.

8. In a machine as claimed in claim 1, said driving means for the scraper driving carriage comprising an endless supple member; pulleys at both ends of said main carriage for said endless member; a stop carried by said endless member; two abutments on said scraper driving carriage, said abutments being adapted for cooperation with said stop respectively when the latter moves along one and the other run of said endless member between said pulleys; and meansto rotate one of said pulleys continuously in the same'direction.

9. A machine for printing designs on fabrics or the like comprising in combination a. table whereon the fabric is fixed in a stretched condition; rails on both longitudinal sides of said table; a first carriage guided and supported by said rails; a perforated printing surface carried by said first carriage; means on said first carriage to lower said perforated printing surface on said table and to raise it therefrom; means to stop said first carriage at a number of determined positions along said table; a second carriage guided and supported by said rails; a dye scraper adapted to spread dye on said perforated printing surface; guiding means supported by second carriage for said dye scraper; means to clamp said second carriage along said table; and automatic driving means on said second carriage to reciprocate said scraper across said perforated printing surface.

10. In a machine as claimed in claim 9, means tolconnect at will said first and second carriages with each other into a single unit.

11. In a machine as claimed in claim 9, means I to connect at will said first and second carriages with each other into a single unit, said actuated control member.

12. In a machine as claimed in claim 9 said first and second carriages being made of rectangular frames, the longitudinal sides of said second carriage passing with play through the longitudinal tubular sides of said first carriage.

13. A machine for printing designs on fabrics or the like comprising in combination a table whereon the fabric is fixed in a stretched condition; rails on both longitudinal sides of said table; a main carriage guided and supported by said rails; means to stop said main carriage at a number of positions along said table; a perforated printing surface carried by said main carriage; means on said main carriage to lower said perforated printing surface on said table and to raise it therefrom; a scraper driving carriage; a bar vertically slidable on said scraper driving carriage; guiding means on said main carriage for said scraper driving carriage; a

dye scraper pivoted at the lower end of said bar along an axis perpendicular to said guiding means, the angle of rotation being limited by abutments, said scraper being adapted to spread dye on said perforated printing surface; a roller projecting laterally from said bar; a wedgeshaped member supported by said main carriage at the end of each stroke of said scraper driving carriage, said member being adapted for cooperation with said projecting roller to raise said dye scraper from said perforated printing surface; friction means to rock said scraper toward the next side of said perforated printing surface during the beginning of the next stroke; and means on said main carriage to reciprocate said scraper driving carriage.

14. In a machine as claimed in claim 13, said friction means comprising a lever pivoted on said vertically slidable bar and connected with said scraperso as to oscillate in opposite direction with respect thereto; and a fixed blade coming into frictional engagement ,with said lever at the end of each stroke of said scraper driving carriage.

CLAUDIUS MASSON. 

